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How to deal with heartburn during pregnancy? Treatment of heartburn in pregnant women.

A pregnant woman faces many difficulties of a different nature. It's completely normal to worry about your baby's health. But the expectant mother during this period is especially vulnerable. Immunity weakens, some diseases worsen. Unpleasant symptoms appear.

Many pregnant women have digestive problems. Heartburn during pregnancy is difficult to tolerate. Self-treatment can lead to undesirable consequences. A pregnant woman should tell her doctor about all changes. He will explain how to get rid of heartburn during pregnancy.

Physiological causes

Heartburn in pregnant women is a common occurrence. It does not always indicate the presence of pathology. It is important to know what causes these symptoms. This happens when part of the contents of the stomach is ejected through the esophagus into the mouth.

Severe heartburn during pregnancy, especially in the second trimester and third, worries many women. The reason for this phenomenon is simple. The stomach is compressed by the growing uterus. As a result, all internal organs are displaced. The fetus increases in size gradually. The smaller it is, the less discomfort is expressed. Therefore, heartburn in early pregnancy is rare. If unpleasant symptoms began to bother you in the first trimester of pregnancy, then you need to consult a doctor.

During pregnancy in the third trimester, the symptoms increase. The greatest intensity reaches heartburn before childbirth. The fruit weighs about 3 kg. The stomach, intestines and digestive glands are compressed by a large uterus.

If any health problems appear, regardless of the period, a woman should consult a doctor. He will tell you how to treat the symptoms that cause discomfort.

Pathological causes

• abdominal pain;
• belching;
• heartburn;
• sour taste or bitterness in the mouth;
• nausea;
• flatulence;
• heaviness in the stomach.

If these symptoms appear with heartburn during pregnancy, then you should visit a specialist. The doctor will explain that you can drink without harm to the health of the child.

Safe Medicines

With heartburn, pregnant women are prescribed only those drugs that do not affect the fetus. This will help relieve discomfort at any time. Heartburn needs to be treated. The symptom significantly worsens the condition of the woman. Often there are difficulties with sleep. This is due to the fact that the release of gastric juice occurs more easily in a supine position.

What helps with severe heartburn during pregnancy, the gastroenterologist will tell. There are drugs with gentle and mild action. You can buy a remedy for heartburn at a pharmacy:

A gastroenterologist will tell you what you can do for pregnant women for heartburn. It is better to refuse the drug Motilium, replacing it with another remedy. This medication allows you to get rid of the symptoms due to the impact on the brain centers. It also enhances peristalsis. Pregnant women with heartburn are usually recommended mild antacids.

Diet during pregnancy

Many are interested in why pregnant women have digestive problems. A possible provoking factor is a violation of the diet. This may happen in the early stages. Heartburn at 38 weeks of gestation also appears due to an unbalanced diet.

Women are interested in what can be done for heartburn during pregnancy. Gastroenterologists give standard nutritional recommendations, compliance with which allows you to remove uncomfortable sensations.

Many comment on the positive
effect of dairy products. It is important to drink at least 1 glass of kefir per day. You can replace this drink with natural yogurt or acidophilus. Such nutrition has a beneficial effect on the condition of all parts of the intestines and stomach. Thanks to this, the organs are populated with beneficial lactobacilli.

In the diet of a woman expecting a child, there should be vegetables and fruits. By using the daily rate, you can adjust the whole process of digestion. To prevent burning, you need to pay attention to the correct methods of cooking. Meat or fish can be baked or boiled. Some women prefer to steam. Vegetables are best stewed.

Food with problems with digestion is consumed in small portions. It is important not to overeat. Too much food leads to the release of gastric juice into the oral cavity. Gastroenterologists are advised to monitor the temperature of the dishes. Too hot food provokes irritation of the mucosa.

After eating, you should refrain from physical activity. A pregnant woman should rest for 30 minutes. It is best to take a semi-sitting position. It is not necessary to lie down on a horizontal surface. This provokes the release of gastric juice.

Some products will have to be abandoned. So, spicy and fatty dishes negatively affect the gastric mucosa. Experts know what to do with heartburn. First of all, the following are excluded from the menu:

• spices;
• seasonings;
• marinades;
• hot peppers;
• vinegar;
• mayonnaise.

Various sweets are considered dangerous products. It is better to give up chocolate and sweets. As a dessert, it is permissible to use fresh biscuits. From vegetables, tomatoes should be abandoned. Sour berries and citrus fruits are not allowed.

You should not abuse carbonated drinks. A high concentration of carbonic acid provokes not only the release of gastric juice, but also belching. Alcohol a priori should be excluded.

Folk methods of treatment

If you are worried about heartburn during pregnancy, the doctor will tell you how to get rid of it. In some cases, alternative medicine recipes will help. During pregnancy treatment folk remedies should be done with extreme caution.

The safest means
almonds, fresh carrots or potato juice are considered. It is enough to eat a small handful of nuts or one small carrot. To prepare a potato drink, you need to take a few tubers. Vegetables are crushed, juice is squeezed out of the gruel.

It is better to refrain from treatment with soda. This is an aggressive substance that contributes to further damage to the inner shells. Relief occurs only for a short time period. As a result, gastritis attacks will appear more often. The disease can become chronic.

Every woman is interested in how to get rid of heartburn during pregnancy. An experienced doctor will help solve this problem. The woman will be prescribed safe drugs. Heartburn in recent weeks causes many inconveniences. It is important not only to take medications, but also to adjust your own diet.

The appearance of heartburn during pregnancy brings a lot of discomfort to the expectant mother, but if you properly organize your daily routine and nutrition, then it can be avoided. If this fails, you can use medication or folk remedies.

Heartburn has earned the title of pregnancy companion.

It is very rare that a woman in an interesting position does not face such a problem in 9 months, but realizing the seriousness of the condition, it is very difficult to find the right ways to deal with it.

After all, it is quite difficult to endure burning and other manifestations of heartburn, so you need to take measures, the main thing is that they do not harm.

How to deal with heartburn during pregnancy you need to know from the first days, so as not to be at a loss if it is not possible to consult a doctor.

Reasons for the appearance

To understand why burning and specific pain appear during pregnancy, it is important to know the features of the physiological process in the body that leads to such a condition.

The gastrointestinal tract has a special cardiac valve or sphincter that prevents digestive juices from entering the esophagus.

Sometimes there are situations when the valve does not close and the juices from the stomach (they contain a lot of hydrochloric acid) are sent back to the esophagus. Naturally, they irritate the mucous membranes of the food tube, which is manifested by heartburn.

Causes of heartburn during pregnancy can be very different:

• Hormonal;

At the very beginning of pregnancy, the body begins to produce an increased amount of progesterone. He is responsible for relaxing the uterus so that there is no abortion. After all, whatever one may say, but the fetus is a foreign element.

A similar effect is on the sphincter, which causes it to open. At a later date, progesterone production decreases and, as a result, heartburn begins to disappear.

• With each day of pregnancy, the uterus begins to increase, which leads to a decrease in the abdominal cavity. Under pressure, the stomach squeezes out sour food;
• The volume of gastric juice increases during pregnancy, which leads to burning sensations;
• Child movements. The most active kids, even with a blow of a pen or a leg, can provoke a similar phenomenon.

As you can see, there are many causes of heartburn during early or late pregnancy. In each period, they may be different.

Features of the appearance of heartburn at different times

Heartburn can appear at any stage of pregnancy, and it can be caused by completely different conditions and circumstances.

First trimester

From the very first days of pregnancy, the body begins to adapt to new needs. As already noted, there is an increased production of progesterone, which is responsible for the relaxation of the uterus.

But at the same time, in a similar way, it acts on other organs, including the cardiac valve, which begins to leak gastric juice. As a rule, by 8-10 weeks, unpleasant symptoms disappear.

It is also worth remembering that the likelihood of heartburn during pregnancy in the first trimester increases if there are concomitant factors:

1. the presence of chronic diseases, especially the digestive system;
2. individual characteristics of the organism;
3. taking antispasmodics;
4. non-compliance with the diet, especially snacks before bedtime;
5. eating certain unwanted foods;
6. tight clothing that squeezes the stomach and chest.

Heartburn in the second trimester of pregnancy

In the period of 14-28 weeks, the following factors can provoke a burning sensation:

• the volume of progesterone production decreases, but not so much that heartburn disappears completely;
• weakness of the sphincter due to the rapid growth of the fetus or the presence of infections of a chronic or inflammatory nature;
• overeating, especially before bed;
• smoking;
• physical activity immediately after eating;
• eating junk food for pregnant women.

For most women, the main causes of heartburn during pregnancy in the second trimester are malnutrition and problems with the digestive system.

Heartburn in the third trimester of pregnancy

By the third trimester, one more problem may be added to the above problems. This is the rapid growth of the fetus.

It becomes large and begins to put pressure on the digestive system and other nearby organs. Food entering the body is pushed out of the stomach, especially when overeating.

The most severe burning occurs when:

1. multiple pregnancy;
2. if the child is very large;
3. polyhydramnios.

The provoking factors of heartburn during pregnancy in the third trimester remain the same as in the previous periods.

Heartburn treatment during pregnancy

The main task of treating heartburn during pregnancy is, first of all, the normalization of nutrition.

• It is important to exclude acidic, spicy and smoked foods from the diet as much as possible;
• It is also worth eating in small portions;
• The last meal should be no later than 2 hours before bedtime;
• Do not take a horizontal position after eating.

Traditional medical treatments

If preventive measures do not help and heartburn still appears, then you can resort to medications.

A gynecologist will tell you what to drink for heartburn during pregnancy, but if you can’t ask him, you can use the tips below.

1. Significantly alleviate the condition will help non-absorbable anthracids, which include Almagel, Phosphalugel, Maalox and so on;
2. The safest drug today is Rennie, the active ingredients of which are calcium and magnesium carbonate (read more in the article Rennie during pregnancy >>>).

If after a while severe heartburn during pregnancy does not go away, then it is better to resolve this issue with a doctor.

Folk remedies for the treatment of heartburn

You can cope with the disease using traditional medicine, she will tell you recipes on how to get rid of heartburn during pregnancy at home. Such methods are safer, but at the same time no less effective than heartburn pills during pregnancy.

• Fennel tea helps;
• Tea with the addition of ginger root will help relieve symptoms (read the article

During pregnancy, a complete restructuring of the female body occurs. What used to be the norm for her now seems something strange and complicated. One of the most unpleasant symptoms that cause severe discomfort in a woman in position is heartburn during pregnancy. According to statistics, this phenomenon manifests itself in almost half of pregnancies, even if there have been no such problems before.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the main causes of this condition, as well as give some recommendations to help cope with heartburn.

Heartburn during pregnancy is rare in the later stages

Heartburn is a condition in which an acute burning sensation is felt in the lower chest area and in the pit of the stomach. This phenomenon is caused by the fact that gastric juice is secreted into the digestive tract. Because of this, its mucous membrane is irritated, which causes discomfort.

Acid is released due to compression of all internal organs. This phenomenon is common with large physical exertion on the abdominal cavity. For example, this can be caused by abdominal exercises or frequent body tilts.

The fetus is growing all the time, so every month the pressure on the internal organs only increases. In the early stages, this phenomenon does not appear. Most often, problems appear starting from the second trimester.

The digestive tract has a special protection against heartburn - the sphincter, so not every expectant mother suffers from heartburn. But it should be noted that in a woman in position, all muscles relax under the pressure of the fetus.

Heartburn is a consequence of sphincter relaxation

Therefore, in this state, it is difficult for the sphincter to keep gastric juice from entering the esophagus. Also, the tense state of the sphincter is prevented by a significant increase in the size of the uterus, as well as an increase in pressure inside the abdominal cavity. This appears around 25 weeks.

An increase in hormone levels has a significant impact on the speed of the digestive tract. The peristalsis of the intestines slows down, which is one of the side effects of the production of pregnancy hormones. Because of this, the entire digestion process slows down, which can cause various disorders and, accordingly, heartburn.

Heartburn usually appears after eating and can last from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the individual. Many women complain that heartburn makes itself felt all the time. This phenomenon is especially pronounced at night in a supine position, so sometimes you have to sleep almost sitting.

How does heartburn manifest?

This phenomenon is quite common, so it is very easy to identify it. The main symptoms are:

1. There is a sharp burning sensation in the chest area. This is especially true when eating heavy fatty foods.
2. Pain when turning the body and sudden movements.
3. Sour taste in the mouth.
4. When eating solid food, there is a feeling of obstruction, which can be eliminated by drinking plenty of water.
5. Nausea.

Diagnostics can be carried out at any time if the condition worsens. This does not require the use of specialized equipment.

Heartburn in the 1st trimester

Often, women begin to experience discomfort in the lower chest area almost from the first days of conception. A common reason for this is the use of antispasmodic-type drugs. For example, it can be No-Shpa or Papaverine preparations.

The cause of heartburn in the 1st trimester may be taking antispasmodics - they relax the muscles

Many mothers-to-be take these medications to relieve uterine spasms. At the same time, the sphincter also relaxes, so it begins to pass gastric juice into the digestive tract. Because of this, there is a feeling of intense heat.

Heartburn in the 2nd trimester

During this period, heartburn comes into full force. It is during this period that decisive factors appear: firstly, the intensive growth of the fetus begins, and secondly, pregnancy hormones are also produced at an increased rate.

Heartburn in the 3rd trimester

With the approach of childbirth, heartburn practically disappears, as the stomach drops lower and the pressure on the internal organs is significantly reduced. The synthesis of progesterone also decreases, because the female body is preparing for the release of a new life into the light. Therefore, during this period, heartburn is a rare occurrence.

Actions for heartburn - how to get rid of it?

Medications for heartburn

To eliminate the symptoms, various drugs are often prescribed. But you must clearly understand that they are not always as safe as indicated in the instructions for use.

Constipation is one of the side effects of heartburn medications.

Taking these medications can lead to the following side effects:

• the baby's head can ossify, which causes complications during childbirth;
• medicines can cause constipation, which is undesirable, since women in position often have problems with stools;
• useful substances and minerals are removed from the body, so it is very important to distinguish between the time of taking anti-heartburn drugs and various vitamins;
• magnesium, which is an ingredient in many heartburn medications, can make it difficult for a mother to go into labor.

The decision to take anti-heartburn drugs should be carefully considered. If the heat can no longer be tolerated, then in no case should you take matters into your own hands. First you need to consult a doctor.

Rennie

It is the best and most common drug. Its advantage is that it is completely safe and has practically no contraindications, which is why it is prescribed for women in position. Moreover, the effect is manifested almost immediately. Eliminates not only heartburn, but also its additional manifestations - nausea, flatulence, belching.

Gestid

A tool that contains many useful substances. Available in the form of chewable tablets. They are harmless and have an acceptable cost.

Pulsatilla

Homeopathic remedy. Release form - granule. It also helps eliminate side effects such as belching and rumbling in the stomach. Released only after consultation with the attending physician.

Smecta

This remedy consists only of natural ingredients and absorbs gastric juice, which irritates the esophagus. Available in powder form. The course of treatment lasts about a week. It is not recommended to exceed this period.

Maalos

It contains magnesium and aluminum. There are several forms of release - suspension and tablets. Eliminates not only discomfort, but also has an analgesic effect. This drug should not be taken for more than three days.

Folk remedies

Many mothers prefer to opt for folk remedies for heartburn that have stood the test of time. There is a wide variety of different means. You will have to independently check how the body perceives this or that method. Most of the expectant mothers immediately remember about soda. But still it is better to refrain from taking it, as the condition can only worsen.

Among the natural ways to get rid of heartburn, herbal teas are recommended.

Doctors have compiled a list of milder means to eliminate the increased acidity of gastric juice:

1. At the initial stages, you can drink jelly or potato juice. They envelop the walls of the stomach and do no harm.
2. Milk is an effective remedy. It should be drunk in small sips. You can increase its usefulness by adding fennel oil.
3. Several times a day, you can take powdered egg peel.
4. Pumpkin seeds help almost immediately. A small handful is taken at a time.
5. Herbal decoctions of centaury and heather have beneficial effect on the digestion process and reduce heartburn.
6. An effective remedy is mineral water, which contains alkali. These are such brands as Borjomi, Luzhanskaya, Slavyanovskaya. The beneficial minerals contained in them help against heartburn and other stomach disorders.
7. Based on the experience of other moms, oatmeal, carrots or nuts can be a great solution.
8. You can use lemon, grape seed and neroli oils. This solution is rubbed into the chest and helps eliminate all symptoms almost immediately.

Although all of these products are natural, you should still consult your doctor before taking any of the remedies. Particular attention should be paid to essential oils and herbs, because not all of them are easily tolerated by a woman in position. It depends on individual characteristics.

Herbal teas

It is the most common remedy. It is not only useful, but also pleasant. Herbal teas have a beneficial effect on the overall health of the mother and fetus, eliminates the discomfort and pain of heartburn:

1. Fennel. Pharmacies sell ready-made tea bags, so you can buy them and prepare them right away, following the instructions on the package.
2. Heather. 15 g of herbs are added to boiling water, after which you need to let it brew for several hours. This decoction is taken several times a day for a tablespoon.
3. Centaury. 10 g of grass is poured with boiling water and infused. After that, the tincture can be taken half an hour before meals in a tablespoon.
4. Ginger. You can add not only to tea. Cut off a small piece and chew thoroughly. Or grind it - you get a great seasoning for any dish.
5. Air. The rhizome of the plant should be crushed to a powder state and taken in a teaspoon. This helps to eliminate discomfort and burning.

mineral water

Many pregnant women save themselves from heartburn with mineral water.

Juices

Freshly squeezed juices have a beneficial effect on the digestion process and gently eliminate heartburn:

1. You can make juice from grapefruit.
2. Potato juice is a good remedy. To do this, grate the vegetable on a grater and squeeze the resulting mass. At the first symptoms, one tablespoon of liquid should be taken. The medicinal properties of the juice are lost after 20 minutes, so you can only drink it fresh.
3. Carrot juice has healing properties. The method of preparation does not differ from the previous one.

fresh carrot

This vegetable is great for helping with the first signs of heartburn. To do this, the washed and peeled vegetable should be grated. Under no circumstances should sugar be added. This will cause the opposite result and only increase the discomfort. Fresh carrots will help eliminate symptoms for several hours.

Milk

Good for chest heat. To do this, the milk must be heated to room temperature. Should be taken in small sips. You can add some almond powder. This tool is affordable and effective. It is easy to make at home and conditions.

Warm milk with almonds helps with heartburn attacks

Flax seeds

In any pharmacy you can buy flax and make a tincture. It is enough to pour a few seeds with boiling water and let it brew for about an hour. It should be taken little by little throughout the day. If the symptoms of heartburn become less pronounced, it is worth taking note of this remedy.

Honey

If heartburn is rare, then good option can become honeycombs. If discomfort occurs, chew a small piece. The wax contained in the honeycomb gently envelops the walls of the stomach and protects against the negative effects of acid. Also, the remedy is effective against inflammatory processes.

Prophylactic

The best remedy is always prevention. Therefore, you should heed the advice of experienced professionals:

1. Fractional nutrition should be introduced. You can eat small portions 6-7 times a day.
2. Under no circumstances should you overeat. Because of this, gastric juice begins to be produced with increased intensity, which causes a feeling of heaviness and heat in the lower chest and in the epigastric zone.
3. You need to eat slowly, meaningfully, chewing food thoroughly.
4. You can not drink a lot of water during the meal. This stretches the walls of the stomach and leads to heartburn.
5. Certain body positions should also be avoided. For example, after eating, it is better to stand or walk around for a while. It is not recommended to go to bed immediately after a meal.
6. To make it easier to sleep, put a pillow under your back. When the upper body is in an elevated position, stomach acid does not enter the digestive tract.
7. It has long been noticed that heartburn manifests itself in those women who sleep on their right side. Therefore, it is worth working on changing this habit.
8. Pay attention to foods that cause irritation and try to eliminate them from your diet.
9. It is worth wearing loose clothing that will not compress the chest and hinder movement.

Heartburn is an unpleasant condition, but do not panic and make hasty decisions. Of course, this phenomenon causes some discomfort, but does not bring any harm. But still, it is worth constantly monitoring this so that there are no complications in the form of gastritis and other serious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Diet and healthy lifestyle

Proper nutrition can significantly reduce the risk of heartburn.

With heartburn, you should adhere to proper nutrition:

1. Fractional nutrition should be introduced. Portions should be small, just to satisfy hunger. This allows the stomach not to overwork when processing this food. Overeating causes a feeling of heaviness and slows down the digestion process.
2. Do not eat 3 hours before bedtime. During sleep, the sphincter relaxes, which promotes the release of acid directly into the esophagus. Various problems can also arise that overload the digestive tract.
3. The optimum food temperature is room temperature.
4. Cooking, steaming or baking in the oven is recommended. Do not eat heavy fried foods. Smoked meats and dried foods should also be avoided.
5. Experts advise replacing animal fats with vegetable ones. They contain a large amount of vitamin E, which is indispensable for the expectant mother. Vegetable oil coats the walls of the stomach and protects against the harmful effects of acid.
6. It is worth drinking 2 liters of water a day. It is also good to drink milk and herbal teas against heartburn.
7. It is better to limit the use of salt, as it retains fluid in the body and irritates the mucous membrane of the esophagus.
8. Keeping a food diary is a good idea. This way you can record which foods make you feel uncomfortable and which make you feel better.

If heartburn does not allow you to live peacefully during pregnancy, you should heed the following tips:

1. You can not sleep on your back, as stomach acid goes directly into the esophagus. It is better to slightly raise the upper body. Use a soft pillow for this.
2. Clothing should be loose and not restrict movement.
3. Maintain correct posture.

Heartburn is a common occurrence during pregnancy and is not harmful. If the discomfort becomes unbearable, then you can use folk methods. Medicines should only be taken with a doctor's prescription and for a limited amount of time.

Heartburn is a burning sensation in the esophagus that usually occurs after eating. Have you ever experienced anything like this before pregnancy? Take heart, an unpleasant symptom is a faithful companion of 5 out of 10 pregnant women, even if there are no problems with the gastrointestinal tract and being overweight. What causes heartburn and how to deal with it so as not to harm yourself or your child?

Causes of heartburn

The only cause of heartburn is the ingress of stomach acid into the esophagus. We will understand how the internal mechanisms of our body work. The passage between the esophagus and the stomach is blocked by muscular gates, which perform 2 functions: they allow food to pass through and prevent the contents of the stomach from escaping. Failure of this mechanism occurs due to various factors - from chronic diseases to banal overeating.

Features of heartburn during pregnancy

Unpleasant sensations in the esophagus can be removed quite easily - with medicines or products with neutral acidity. Pregnant women have a completely different situation: heartburn is often, acutely accompanied by nausea and vomiting, and it can be difficult to relieve it. This is because during pregnancy, the malfunctioning of the sphincter (muscular gate) is provoked by “unusual” factors:

• - hormonal imbalance - the level of progesterone rises, causing the muscles of the "damper" to relax and let the gastric juice inside. It irritates the walls of the esophagus, causing a burning sensation.
• - an increase in the uterus - it puts pressure on neighboring organs, including the muscular valve in the esophagus. This usually happens in the 3rd trimester, or earlier, for example, with multiple pregnancies.

Treatment of heartburn in pregnant women

Heartburn does not cause pleasant emotions, which are very important for a favorable pregnancy. She needs to be treated and not by grandmother's methods, but with the help of a doctor. The drugs of the antacid group help well: "", "", "", "". They give a triple effect:

• - neutralize stomach acid;
• - block the production of carbon dioxide (help to get rid of belching);
• - relieve pain.

They should be taken with great care and only as directed by a doctor. This is important, since the listed drugs can cause vitamin B12 deficiency, calcium accumulation in the bones, that is, the risk to the health of the baby, although minimal, is not excluded. For example, Almagel A is not prescribed during pregnancy and lactation, as it contains benzocaine.

Prevention and nutrition for heartburn for pregnant women

As a preventive measure against heartburn, expectant mothers need to pay attention to nutrition and lifestyle. Eat healthy, low-fat foods - in small portions and well chewed. After meals and before bed, take a walk to reduce the load on the stomach, sleep so that the upper body is elevated.

Even if you have never suffered from heartburn before, then during pregnancy you have every chance to get acquainted with it. The phenomenon is so unpleasant and common among pregnant women that it is considered one of the most terrible and annoying companions of bearing a child.

There is an opinion that the culprit of heartburn during pregnancy is the baby, or rather his nails and hairline. However, doctors believe that this is unlikely. Digestive "fire" has a physiological nature and is quite understandable. Accordingly, the methods of dealing with heartburn become obvious.

What causes heartburn during pregnancy?

Heartburn (or acid dyspepsia) is a burning sensation and pain behind the breastbone and in the epigastric region. Most often this is due to the release of gastric juice into the esophagus, as a result of which the sensitive mucous membrane is irritated and this unpleasant feeling of heat occurs.

The release of this very acid is provoked by squeezing the internal organs. That is why people often feel heartburn after active bending over or pumping the press, as well as with a lot of weight. During pregnancy, the growing fetus presses on the organs, which is aggravated with an increase in the term. That is why heartburn most often torments women, starting from the second trimester, and in the early stages they, as a rule, do not experience such “happiness” (although there are such cases).

Of course, the esophagus is protected from the effects of stomach acid by a kind of sphincter valve, so not everyone suffers from heartburn. But under the influence of the "pregnant" hormone progesterone, muscle tone, as we know, is relaxed, including the muscles of the esophagus. And this muscle valve-clamp in such a relaxed state allows stomach acid to pour into the esophagus. The tight closure of the sphincter is also prevented by an increase in the uterus and an increase in intra-abdominal pressure (approximately to).

High levels of hormones during pregnancy also affect the time it takes for the body to complete digestion. The muscle contractions that help food pass through the esophagus are slowed down as a side effect of hormonal secretion. As a result, the digestive process and the breakdown of food take longer, leading to indigestion and heartburn.

As a rule, heartburn begins shortly after eating (especially after eating a lot of fatty, fried and spicy foods) and can last from several minutes to several hours at a time. But everything is very individual. Many pregnant women note that they experience heartburn all the time, even if they don’t eat or drink anything. And often heartburn starts to get future mother It is in the supine position, so you have to sleep, almost sitting.

How to get rid of heartburn during pregnancy?

Painful heartburn during pregnancy can be treated with medications commonly referred to as non-absorbable antacids. They neutralize and absorb hydrochloric acid from the stomach, envelop its walls and relieve heartburn in 1-2 minutes without being absorbed into the blood.

Non-absorbable antacids include preparations containing calcium, aluminum and magnesium. It can be such modern drugs as Maalox, Talcid. However, along with hydrochloric acid, these drugs also absorb other substances. Therefore, it is not worth combining them with taking other drugs.

Many antacids can cause constipation. However, most modern drugs are devoid of this side effect. Among these are Rennie tablets. In addition to calcium carbonate, they contain magnesium carbonate, and magnesium has a laxative effect, and also promotes the formation of mucus in the stomach and increases the resistance of its mucosa to the damaging effect of hydrochloric acid. Rennie also helps eliminate other unpleasant symptoms that often accompany heartburn - nausea, belching, flatulence. But in view of the fact that magnesium is able to influence the development of the fetus, world gynecologists still recommend abandoning such drugs.

Separately, mention should be made of preparations containing bismuth nitrate, like Vikalin. Information about the possible adverse effects of bismuth on the child is not enough. Therefore, such drugs should be avoided during pregnancy.

As in any other case, the drug should be carried out exclusively as directed by a doctor. He will prescribe the correct dosage for you.

Of course, you don’t want to take even such harmless pills during the period of bearing a child. Many mothers are saved by a proven method: baking soda. However, this is highly undesirable. Firstly, when interacting with gastric juice, soda forms carbonic acid, which has a pronounced juice effect: an additional portion of hydrochloric acid is released, and soon the burning sensation resumes with renewed vigor. Secondly, soda, being easily absorbed into the bloodstream, causes a dangerous acid-base imbalance, which increases swelling, which is already common in the second half of pregnancy.

If heartburn does not give you life, and oh how you don’t want to take medicines, try resorting to traditional medicine. Here are some recipes for dealing with heartburn:

• 15 g of common heather pour 0.5 liters of water, boil for 2-3 minutes, insist and drink half a glass 3-4 times a day, 1 tablespoon.
• 10 g of centaury herb per 200 ml of boiling water, leave for 2-3 hours, strain and take 1 tablespoon 3-4 times a day half an hour before meals.
• Prolonged heartburn stops if taken 3-4 times a day, 1/3 teaspoon of powder from calamus rhizomes.

But before resorting to herbal remedies, you still need to consult a doctor.

It is important to understand that heartburn does not affect the condition and development of the fetus in any way. But to endure burning is not very useful and is simply unrealistic. If you can do without drugs, then, of course, it is better to abstain. Otherwise, you can try the so-called improvised means of dealing with heartburn (perhaps one of them will suit you too): seeds, milk, almonds, fresh cucumber or carrots, mineral water, regular chewing gum.

How to prevent heartburn during pregnancy?

1. Try not to take antispasmodics, as they relax the esophageal sphincter and thus contribute to heartburn. Some herbs have the same effect, for example,
2. Extra weight gained during pregnancy increases the risk of heartburn. So don't overeat.
3. Eat fractionally: 5-6 times a day at intervals of 1.5-2 hours and in small portions.
4. Eat slowly, chewing thoroughly.
5. Include in the diet products that provoke an alkaline reaction: milk, cream, sour cream, cottage cheese, steam omelettes, lean boiled meat and fish, butter and vegetable oil, white dried (preferably yesterday's) bread.
6. Eat dishes and side dishes from vegetables in boiled or mashed form. Better bake fruit.
7. Be sure to add boiled beets and steamed prunes to the diet to prevent constipation, since any straining leads to an increase in intra-abdominal pressure and, accordingly, the reflux of acidic gastric contents into the esophagus.
8. Refrain from fatty fried treats, smoked meats, hot spices and sauces, sour fruit juices and compotes, vegetables containing coarse fiber (white cabbage, radish, radish, onion, garlic), hard-to-digest mushrooms, nuts, black bread, chocolate, carbonated and fizzy drinks, black tea and coffee, mustard, vinegar, tomatoes, oranges.
9. Eliminate refractory animal fats (lamb, goose).
10. Alcohol and smoking, which increase the risk of acid reflux and heartburn, should be completely avoided.
11. Make dinner light, without meat dishes, and do not eat any more for 3-4 hours until bedtime.
12. After each meal, stand or sit for 15-20 minutes, but do not lie down - then the food will leave the stomach faster.
13. Avoid positions and exercises that contribute to heartburn: deep forward torso, abdominal tension.
14. Stooping, bad posture increases pressure on the stomach, which in turn leads to heartburn: this is why you should always sit straight.
15. Try to keep your spine straight while walking or standing to avoid heartburn.
16. If there are no contraindications, sleep with the head end of the bed raised or use "high" pillows.
17. If heartburn worsens in a horizontal position, when turning from one side to the other, stand up and calmly walk around the room for a while, drink cool still water or eat unsweetened cookies (preferably biscuits).
18. Pay attention to clothing: it should not be squeezing.
19. Adequate fluid intake is required daily, but only between meals, not with meals.

When does nothing help?

If you have tried literally everything in the world, neither medicines nor all the remedies for heartburn known to you, taken together, will save you, you should tell your doctor about this. Perhaps you have no other choice but to wait for childbirth: they will naturally solve the problem. But heartburn can be a symptom of diseases of the digestive system or liver, which also happens during pregnancy. Therefore, of course, you should not worry, but you need to play it safe. Consulting a gastroenterologist will not harm you.